So I thought I would experiment with using Google cloud as a deployment process in the future. They have a nice free offer to try the system and it felt like a good match for a project I was working on at work. So a quick signup later I popped in my billing details and set up the test system. Happy.
6 weeks later I move on to a different role at a different company and forget about the test environment. 6 weeks after that I get a bill from Google cloud... Obvious mistake, send customer services an email. 4 days later I get a reply:
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I have reviewed the billing account ID provided and can confirm that it is currently active. The billing account is currently owned under xxx@oldemployee.com . As you do not have access permission I would advise to reach out to the billing administrator. Once you have permission access[1], you may view the details of your charges by viewing the transaction history[2]. I hope this information helps. I'll be keeping this case open for following 24 hours. Should you have additional questions on this matter, feel free to reply to this message and I'll be more than happy to address your concerns at that time.
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Of course, my fault... What a fool. So I explain the situation, I no longer have access to the email but am being billed, can they cancel the account.
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Due to our strict privacy and confidentiality policies, I am unable to modify an account for which you do not have access permission. In order to resolve this matter, I would advise to reach out to your former employer or contest the charges with your financial institution.
I hope this information helps. I'll be keeping this case open for following 24 hours. Should you have additional questions on this matter, feel free to reply to this message and I'll be more than happy to address your concerns at that time.
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Damn. That seems odd. I am paying but they won't let me cancel... So I explain that they can see my passport or driving licence, my credit card, some old bank statements... anything... I am happy to pay the costs I incurred by accident I simply don't want an indefinite bill...
Anyway, they have refused to follow through with this and have simply said:
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As previously stated, we are unable to provide access to an account as it would breach our privacy and confidentiality policy.
In order to prevent future charges to your credit card, the billing account needs to be disabled[1]. If you are unable to communicate with your previous employer to disable the billing account, you may reach out to your financial institution for alternate solutions. At this time, we are unable to confirm you own the email address associated to the project and its content.
I understand that you would like to escalate this case, however we are unable to accommodate your request as you are not the project owner. As I am unable to address your concern further, I will set this case to close.
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My questions to HN are:
Is it reasonable to continue to charge someone who can indisputably prove that they are the person being billed simply because they no longer have access to an old employers email address?
Is simply closing an on-going concern by a customer without, resolving an issue, a reasonable way of delivering customer service?
Thanks in advance,
An unhappy chap :(